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No matter how well you care for your teeth, they can become damaged or decayed. You may eventually need to have all or some of your upper or lower teeth extracted. This can cause difficulty eating or speaking, feelings of embarrassment, and loss of self-confidence. To support your physical and mental well-being, you may be considering tooth replacement options like dentures. According to the American Dental Association, more than 36 million Americans have no teeth and require dentures.
At Bent Tree Dental, we offer free consultations for dentures and other tooth replacement procedures. During your consultation, Rick Miller, DDS, will evaluate your oral health and determine the best treatment for your unique needs.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth. They resemble your natural teeth and gums and can restore your smile, whether you’re missing all or a few teeth.
However, it will take some time to get used to conventional dentures, and they will never feel exactly like your natural teeth. But fortunately, modern dental materials can be used to create natural-looking, comfortable artificial teeth that restore function and aesthetics to your smile.
Types of Dentures
There are two categories of dentures: full or partial. Full dentures replace a full set of teeth, while partial dentures replace several missing teeth. Whether you need a full or partial denture or an upper or lower appliance, they are custom-made to fit your mouth.
Full Dentures
If you are missing all of your teeth or will need any remaining teeth extracted, you’ll need a full denture. Full dentures consist of 12 to 14 artificial teeth on each arch. How many teeth your denture will have is determined by the space available and whether you have any opposing teeth.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures typically replace multiple teeth that aren’t necessarily adjacent to each other. This method is often used when the remaining natural teeth are not strong enough to support a dental bridge or another tooth replacement option.
Fixed Appliances Provide More Stability
Full and partial dentures are primarily known as removable appliances. However, technology has provided the tools to create fixed dentures anchored by mini dental implants.
These stable, fixed dentures allow you to eat your favorite foods and never miss out on laughing, smiling, or speaking up again. Modern implant-retained dentures are vastly more functional and stable than traditional removable appliances.
Mini dental implants are thin posts embedded in your jawbone that can secure a denture appliance. Once your full or partial denture is attached, you will not have to remove it before cleaning it or going to bed.
Caring for a fixed appliance is the same as caring for your natural teeth. Brush, floss, and schedule routine dental appointments to ensure your new appliance lasts as long as possible.
How Do You Get Dentures?
Dentures are made in a dental laboratory based on an impression of your mouth, and it can take up to three months to receive the finished product.
This process requires several visits to Bent Tree Dental to ensure the best fit and design possible:
- Initial consultation
- Impressions
- Adjustments
- Inserting the dentures
The process will generally take longer for dentures attached to mini dental implants, but the result will be more stable and long-lasting.
Materials Used to Make Dentures
Traditionally, porcelain or plastic materials were used to make artificial denture teeth. However, modern denture materials are made from hard resin. While this material is durable, it’s not as strong as your natural teeth and could succumb to damage when your dentures are dropped or not adequately cared for.
The structure that holds the artificial teeth in place is made from a gum-colored material. It is often made from a soft resin similar to the material used for artificial teeth. A more flexible polymer material is sometimes used to create a tighter fit around the natural gumline.
Why Invest in Dentures?
Dentures are crucial for improving your smile and supporting your facial structure. They also make it possible to enjoy foods that require chewing so that you don’t have to alter your diet. These appliances make it possible to replace teeth that are causing discomfort and oral health issues, like extremely decayed teeth.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
Although some dentures last longer, the ADA recommends replacing your appliance every five to seven years. The artificial teeth can stain and wear down over time, and the tissues in your mouth change as you age.
You must have your denture relined, rebased, or remade to ensure it continues to fit your mouth. Otherwise, you may have a loose denture that makes it difficult to chew and irritates your gums.
Caring for Your Dentures
Whether you have a full or partial denture, you must clean it daily. Plaque and bacteria still accumulate on the artificial teeth and can affect your remaining teeth or gum tissue.
To clean removable dentures, take them out of your mouth and run them under clean water. The water will dislodge any food particles trapped along the gumline or between the teeth.
Brush the denture using a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture cleaner. Avoid using regular toothpaste or an electric toothbrush; they are too abrasive and may wear away denture materials faster. Rinse your dentures in water when you are done cleaning them.
Before placing your dentures back in your mouth, clean your remaining natural teeth and gums with a soft, wet toothbrush and toothpaste. You can wrap your finger in a moist washcloth to gently rub your gums if your toothbrush is too hard.
Cleaning Implant-Retained Dentures
Although they do not come out every day, your implant-retained denture must be cared for.
Brush all denture surfaces twice daily with a nonabrasive toothbrush. Then, clean the space between the gums and the denture using an interdental brush to ensure it remains plaque-free. You should also schedule regular professional removal and cleaning to maintain optimal health.
Get Modern, High-Quality Dentures Today
Dr. Miller is committed to helping you have a confident smile. Not only does he help patients with missing teeth, but he also provides comprehensive care so your entire family can receive treatment in one place. For a free consultation, contact our office today.